Graeme Downie
Labour - Dunfermline and Dollar
8,241 (18.5%) majority - 2024 General ElectionFirst elected: 4th July 2024
Division Voting information
Debates during the 2024 Parliament
Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.
Department Debates
(27 debate contributions)
(13 debate contributions)
(12 debate contributions)
(4 debate contributions)
Legislation Debates
(5,515 words contributed)
(1,787 words contributed)
(831 words contributed)
(716 words contributed)
Dunfermline and Dollar Petitions
e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.
If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.
If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).
of 84,669 signatures (0.21%)
of 153,530 signatures (0.21%)
of 64,911 signatures (0.17%)
of 113,991 signatures (0.16%)
of 153,530 signatures (0.21%)
of 206,848 signatures (0.09%)
of 113,991 signatures (0.16%)
of 84,669 signatures (0.21%)
Latest EDMs signed by Graeme Downie
Colin S Macleod's 1000-mile swim
Tabled by: Torcuil Crichton (Labour - Na h-Eileanan an Iar)That this House congratulates Mr Colin S Macleod, long distance swimmer and charity fundraiser, on completing his 1000-mile, Land's End to Shetland swimming challenge by repeatedly and relentlessly traversing the mile-length of the Braighe isthmus on the Isle of Lewis on the Minch and Broadway sides in all weathers during …
(Most recent: 9 Dec 2024)
Signatures by party:
Labour: 6
Democratic Unionist Party: 1
Treating retail workers with kindness during the festive trading period
Tabled by: Chris Kane (Labour - Stirling and Strathallan)That this House welcomes the press and social media campaign from the Scottish Retail Consortium and Usdaw which is urging Scots to be kind, considerate and respectful to retail workers and fellow customers when shopping this Christmas; notes that the festive period can be an especially complex and challenging time …
(Most recent: 24 Dec 2024)
Signatures by party:
Labour: 16
Independent: 4
Liberal Democrat: 3
Scottish National Party: 2
Democratic Unionist Party: 1
Commons initiatives
These initiatives were driven by Graeme Downie, and are more likely to reflect personal policy preferences.
MPs who are act as Ministers or Shadow Ministers are generally restricted from performing Commons initiatives other than Urgent Questions.
Graeme Downie has not been granted any Urgent Questions
2 Adjournment Debates led by Graeme Downie
Graeme Downie has not introduced any legislation before Parliament
1 Bill co-sponsored by Graeme Downie
Off-road Bikes (Police Powers) Bill 2024-26
Sponsor - Luke Akehurst (Lab)
Latest 50 Written Questions
(View all written questions)The National Security Unit for Procurement (NSUP) will support the implementation of new powers to protect public procurement from suppliers that pose a threat to national security. It will become operational on commencement of the Procurement Act on February 24th 2025 and we plan to publish guidance for contracting authorities on the application of the national security exclusion grounds ahead of that date. This is being complemented by more general training and engagement on the act run by the Cabinet Office’s Transforming Public Procurement Programme, and the wider suite of guidance which is already available.
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
Similar measures have already been introduced in the UK through the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024. This introduces new rules to protect consumers from being trapped in unwanted subscription contracts, including a requirement for traders to provide straightforward ways for consumers to end contracts. These rules apply to all traders who target UK consumers, whether they are located in the UK or not. Nevertheless, the US initiative sets a standard the Government welcomes.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
Similar measures have already been introduced in the UK through the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024. This introduces new rules to protect consumers from being trapped in unwanted subscription contracts, including a requirement for traders to provide straightforward ways for consumers to end contracts. These rules apply to all traders who target UK consumers, whether they are located in the UK or not. Nevertheless, the US initiative sets a standard the Government welcomes.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 introduces new rules to protect consumers from being trapped in unwanted subscription contracts, including a requirement for traders to provide straightforward ways for consumers to end contracts. The Government will be consulting later this year on proposals to inform the secondary legislation required to implement the regime.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
While I have not yet had any discussion on this matter, I welcome news of any plans that Scottish Power may have for developing projects that could help in the transition to clean power, including hydrogen production. Low carbon hydrogen can play a key role in our 2030 Clean Power Mission, as well as creating good jobs in our industrial heartlands, delivering a just transition, and achieving net zero.
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
As of 30 September, there were 119,244 members of the Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme.
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
3 Department for Science, Innovation & Technology Questions
(View all Graeme Downie's DSIT questions)We are aware of creative industry concerns relating to the use of copyright works by generative AI developers without a licence.
We believe that greater certainty over copyright and AI would support growth in both the creative industries and the AI sector.
This is a complex topic, and we want to take the time to carefully consider the issues and their economic impacts, including the use of copyright content by generative AI developers.
That is why the Government will soon be launching a consultation on copyright and AI. We welcome evidence of economic impact from the creative and media sectors.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
The Government believes that greater certainty over copyright and AI would support growth in both the creative industries and the AI sector.
This is a complex topic, and we want to take the time to hear stakeholder views and carefully consider the issues, including the licensing of copyright content for use by generative AI models.
The Government is engaging with stakeholders to inform its approach and will soon be launching a consultation on a package of measures to address copyright and AI issues.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
The UK is consistently rated as having one of the best IP systems in the world, allowing innovators to protect their IP and seek remedy through the courts when it is infringed.
We are not aware of widespread concerns about the potential impact of IP theft on the AI sector but welcome reports of any instances of theft, to inform our awareness on this issue.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
3 Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Questions
(View all Graeme Downie's Defra questions)Animal Health Certificates are obtained from an official veterinarian. All fees are set by veterinary surgeons or veterinary practices and are a private matter between individual practices and their clients.
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
Defra applied to the European Commission in February 2020 for the United Kingdom (UK) and Crown Dependencies to be listed as a ‘Part 1’ third country for the purposes of the EU pet travel scheme having met all of the EU’s stated conditions to be granted this. However, the EU formally ‘listed’ the UK as a ‘Part 2’ third country, meaning pet owners can no longer use pet passports issued in Great Britain (GB) for travel to the EU and instead need a single use Animal Health Certificate (AHC).
The Government wants to reset our relationship with the EU and will meet with European partners over the coming months to discuss how we might deepen cooperation. However, it is too early to speculate on the scope or outcome of these discussions, including in relation to pet travel.
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
Defra applied to the European Commission in February 2020 for the United Kingdom (UK) and Crown Dependencies to be listed as a ‘Part 1’ third country for the purposes of the EU pet travel scheme having met all of the EU’s stated conditions to be granted this. However, the EU formally ‘listed’ the UK as a ‘Part 2’ third country, meaning pet owners can no longer use pet passports issued in Great Britain (GB) for travel to the EU and instead need a single use Animal Health Certificate (AHC).
The Government wants to reset our relationship with the EU and will meet with European partners over the coming months to discuss how we might deepen cooperation. However, it is too early to speculate on the scope or outcome of these discussions, including in relation to pet travel.
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
National collision statistics, which can record headlamp dazzle as a contributory factor, do not show any discernible trend to suggest that advances in lighting technology are contributing negatively to road vehicle collisions.
However, noting increased public concern, Government has commissioned independent research to better understand the root causes of headlamp glare and develop potential countermeasures. This work is underway and is due to deliver in summer 2025.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
Following a review of the Highway Code in 2022, the Department introduced a hierarchy of road users, which ensures that those who can do the greatest harm have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger or threat they may pose to others.
Communications to raise awareness of the changes were launched via a factual awareness raising campaign in 2022. This was followed by broader behaviour change campaigns in the summers of 2022 and 2023, to help embed the changes and encourage understanding and uptake of the guidance. Over £2.4 million has been spent on media across the campaign, utilising channels such as radio, digital audio, video on demand and social media advertising.
Campaign outcomes included 86% of road users having heard of the changes by September 2023, and 9 in 10 of those who recognised a campaign advert saying they had taken action as a result.
We continue to promote The Highway Code changes on THINK! and Department for Transport social media channels and via our partner organisations. We continually review allocation of communications spend across road safety issues based on the latest insights and evidence.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
Data on the number of Veteran's Railcards issued is collected by the Rail Delivery Group but is not published due to its commercially sensitivity. Access to this data can be requested, on application, from RDGPublicAffairs@raildeliverygroup.com.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
Data on the number of journeys made using a Veteran's Railcard is collected by the Rail Delivery Group but is not published due to its commercially sensitivity. Access to this data can be requested, on application, from RDGPublicAffairs@raildeliverygroup.com.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
The Child Maintenance Service believes that both parents have a financial responsibility to contribute towards the cost of bringing up their child, regardless of their financial situation.
The level of flat rate maintenance for non-resident parents was last reviewed in 2012 as part of the Child Maintenance Calculation Regulations. The government has committed to reviewing the calculation to make sure it is fit for purpose and reflects today’s trends. Any changes will be subject to consultation and legislation brought forward where necessary for approval.
Non-resident parents receiving benefits (including Jobseeker's Allowance and Universal Credit without earnings) or who have gross weekly income between £7 and £100 are required to pay the flat rate of £7 a week. This rate ensures that parents meet their financial responsibility in paying towards their children's upbringing while protecting the welfare of the paying parent to maximise the likelihood of regular payments being made.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)
The Child Maintenance Service believes that both parents have a financial responsibility to contribute towards the cost of bringing up their child, regardless of their financial situation.
The level of flat rate maintenance for non-resident parents was last reviewed in 2012 as part of the Child Maintenance Calculation Regulations. The government has committed to reviewing the calculation to make sure it is fit for purpose and reflects today’s trends. Any changes will be subject to consultation and legislation brought forward where necessary for approval.
Non-resident parents receiving benefits (including Jobseeker's Allowance and Universal Credit without earnings) or who have gross weekly income between £7 and £100 are required to pay the flat rate of £7 a week. This rate ensures that parents meet their financial responsibility in paying towards their children's upbringing while protecting the welfare of the paying parent to maximise the likelihood of regular payments being made.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)
The Child Maintenance Service believes that both parents have a financial responsibility to contribute towards the cost of bringing up their child, regardless of their financial situation.
The level of flat rate maintenance for non-resident parents was last reviewed in 2012 as part of the Child Maintenance Calculation Regulations. The government has committed to reviewing the calculation to make sure it is fit for purpose and reflects today’s trends. Any changes will be subject to consultation and legislation brought forward where necessary for approval.
Non-resident parents receiving benefits (including Jobseeker's Allowance and Universal Credit without earnings) or who have gross weekly income between £7 and £100 are required to pay the flat rate of £7 a week. This rate ensures that parents meet their financial responsibility in paying towards their children's upbringing while protecting the welfare of the paying parent to maximise the likelihood of regular payments being made.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)
The Child Maintenance Service believes that both parents have a financial responsibility to contribute towards the cost of bringing up their child, regardless of their financial situation.
The level of flat rate maintenance for non-resident parents was last reviewed in 2012 as part of the Child Maintenance Calculation Regulations. The government has committed to reviewing the calculation to make sure it is fit for purpose and reflects today’s trends. Any changes will be subject to consultation and legislation brought forward where necessary for approval.
Non-resident parents receiving benefits (including Jobseeker's Allowance and Universal Credit without earnings) or who have gross weekly income between £7 and £100 are required to pay the flat rate of £7 a week. This rate ensures that parents meet their financial responsibility in paying towards their children's upbringing while protecting the welfare of the paying parent to maximise the likelihood of regular payments being made.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)
To qualify for any payments of the new State Pension, people usually need at least 10 qualifying years of National Insurance contributions or National Insurance credits when they reach State Pension age. The contributions could be as a result of employment, self-employment or people could make voluntary National Insurance Contributions. There is also a wide range of National Insurance credits available, ensuring people can achieve the best possible State Pension outcome. In some circumstances, years built while living in countries with a reciprocal arrangement can be taken into account.
The Government makes personalised information available through the online Check Your State Pension Forecast service, which includes details about an individual’s National Insurance record and their State Pension eligibility.
The Government also provides support to older people on low incomes. Pension Credit provides a safety net for those most in need and is not based on National Insurance contributions. Pension Credit is a means tested benefit which targets help at the poorest pensioners and is a passport to other financial support including the Winter Fuel Payment, help with housing costs, council tax, heating bills and a free TV licence for those over 75.
Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)
We recognise the challenges including the emotional and physical impacts that hyperemesis gravidarum can have on pregnant women and their families. Appropriate and evidence-based guidance is crucial.
NHS England regularly reviews all health guidance, including relevant guidance on managing hyperemesis gravidarum. In its guidance on antenatal care, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence refers to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists’ guidance on hyperemesis gravidarum which is also available for patients and staff to consider.
We continue to work closely with counterparts in the devolved nations, including the Scottish Government and NHS Scotland.
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
My Rt hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has not had any discussions with the General Dental Council (GDC) regarding the length of time it takes for Ukrainian nationals to take the Overseas Registration Exam (ORE).
The Department does not collect or hold information about the number of dentists that have completed the GDC’s ORE, the number of Ukrainian dentists who have completed their ORE, or the average waiting time to sit the ORE exam.
With regards Ukrainian refugees’ applications to register as dental professionals in the United Kingdom, the GDC understands that refugees may face difficulties in providing original documentation and, if that is the case, encourages applicants to contact the GDC’s examinations team, who will help them to consider how they might go about meeting the requirements. More information for refugee dental professionals can be found on the GDC’s website, which is available at the following link:
https://www.gdc-uk.org/registration/join-the-register/information-for-refugee-dental-professionals
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
My Rt hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has not had any discussions with the General Dental Council (GDC) regarding the length of time it takes for Ukrainian nationals to take the Overseas Registration Exam (ORE).
The Department does not collect or hold information about the number of dentists that have completed the GDC’s ORE, the number of Ukrainian dentists who have completed their ORE, or the average waiting time to sit the ORE exam.
With regards Ukrainian refugees’ applications to register as dental professionals in the United Kingdom, the GDC understands that refugees may face difficulties in providing original documentation and, if that is the case, encourages applicants to contact the GDC’s examinations team, who will help them to consider how they might go about meeting the requirements. More information for refugee dental professionals can be found on the GDC’s website, which is available at the following link:
https://www.gdc-uk.org/registration/join-the-register/information-for-refugee-dental-professionals
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
My Rt hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has not had any discussions with the General Dental Council (GDC) regarding the length of time it takes for Ukrainian nationals to take the Overseas Registration Exam (ORE).
The Department does not collect or hold information about the number of dentists that have completed the GDC’s ORE, the number of Ukrainian dentists who have completed their ORE, or the average waiting time to sit the ORE exam.
With regards Ukrainian refugees’ applications to register as dental professionals in the United Kingdom, the GDC understands that refugees may face difficulties in providing original documentation and, if that is the case, encourages applicants to contact the GDC’s examinations team, who will help them to consider how they might go about meeting the requirements. More information for refugee dental professionals can be found on the GDC’s website, which is available at the following link:
https://www.gdc-uk.org/registration/join-the-register/information-for-refugee-dental-professionals
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
My Rt hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has not had any discussions with the General Dental Council (GDC) regarding the length of time it takes for Ukrainian nationals to take the Overseas Registration Exam (ORE).
The Department does not collect or hold information about the number of dentists that have completed the GDC’s ORE, the number of Ukrainian dentists who have completed their ORE, or the average waiting time to sit the ORE exam.
With regards Ukrainian refugees’ applications to register as dental professionals in the United Kingdom, the GDC understands that refugees may face difficulties in providing original documentation and, if that is the case, encourages applicants to contact the GDC’s examinations team, who will help them to consider how they might go about meeting the requirements. More information for refugee dental professionals can be found on the GDC’s website, which is available at the following link:
https://www.gdc-uk.org/registration/join-the-register/information-for-refugee-dental-professionals
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
Our oil-related sanctions are having a significant impact, with Russia forced to shoulder a 25 percent reduction in oil and gas revenues from January to October 2024, compared to the same period in 2022. Where Russia has sought to circumvent those sanctions, we have taken robust action. We have now sanctioned 93 shadow fleet oil tankers; and we are exposing malign maritime practices by requesting proof of insurance from suspected shadow vessels passing through the English Channel - an approach partners along the Baltic route will now replicate. We continue to step up our efforts, working closely with Nordic-Baltic partners and others, to ensure our sanctions' effectiveness and impact. We continue to keep further measures on oil and gas under active review.
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Our oil-related sanctions are having a significant impact, with Russia forced to shoulder a 25 percent reduction in oil and gas revenues from January to October 2024, compared to the same period in 2022. Where Russia has sought to circumvent those sanctions, we have taken robust action. We have now sanctioned 93 shadow fleet oil tankers; and we are exposing malign maritime practices by requesting proof of insurance from suspected shadow vessels passing through the English Channel - an approach partners along the Baltic route will now replicate. We continue to step up our efforts, working closely with Nordic-Baltic partners and others, to ensure our sanctions' effectiveness and impact. We continue to keep further measures on oil and gas under active review.
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The UK strongly condemns the Myanmar military's airstrikes on civilian infrastructure, including schools, hospitals and places of worship. This is unacceptable. To date, the UK has imposed six sanctions targeting the import of aviation fuel, focusing on three individuals and three entities. The UK remains committed to sanctions that directly impact the military without adversely affecting the wider population, and this will be a key consideration in any future designations.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The number of people with Class 2 and Class 4 National Insurance Contributions (NICs) liabilities are estimated based on the 2021-22 Survey of Personal Incomes, projected using economic assumptions consistent with the Office for Budget Responsibility’s March 2024 Economic and Fiscal Outlook.
This represents an estimate of the number of people with Class 2 and Class 4 NICs liabilities, and does not represent the number of people from whom HMRC received payments in 2023-24.
Estimated number of individuals liable (thousands) | 2023-24 |
Class 2 NICs | 2,310 |
Class 4 NICs | 2,280 |
Information on NICs can be found in the “HMRC tax receipts and National Insurance contributions for the UK” statistical bulletin, available here:
HMRC tax receipts and National Insurance contributions for the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
The breakdown of National Insurance contributions (NICs) by class for Great Britain and Northern Ireland is provided by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) in “National Insurance Fund (NIF) Accounts”, available here (in the Notes to the Account):
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-insurance-fund-accounts
The NIF publication compares figures for year ended 31 March 2024 with year ended 31 March 2023. Note that the breakdown in the NIF accounts does not include the NHS allocation, paid over by HMRC to the NHS, though information on this allocation is included in the NIF Accounts.
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
The number of people with Class 2 and Class 4 National Insurance Contributions (NICs) liabilities are estimated based on the 2021-22 Survey of Personal Incomes, projected using economic assumptions consistent with the Office for Budget Responsibility’s March 2024 Economic and Fiscal Outlook.
This represents an estimate of the number of people with Class 2 and Class 4 NICs liabilities, and does not represent the number of people from whom HMRC received payments in 2023-24.
Estimated number of individuals liable (thousands) | 2023-24 |
Class 2 NICs | 2,310 |
Class 4 NICs | 2,280 |
Information on NICs can be found in the “HMRC tax receipts and National Insurance contributions for the UK” statistical bulletin, available here:
HMRC tax receipts and National Insurance contributions for the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
The breakdown of National Insurance contributions (NICs) by class for Great Britain and Northern Ireland is provided by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) in “National Insurance Fund (NIF) Accounts”, available here (in the Notes to the Account):
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-insurance-fund-accounts
The NIF publication compares figures for year ended 31 March 2024 with year ended 31 March 2023. Note that the breakdown in the NIF accounts does not include the NHS allocation, paid over by HMRC to the NHS, though information on this allocation is included in the NIF Accounts.
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
HMRC does not routinely publish estimates of the number of Class 2 or Class 4 National Insurance payees in total or any of the subsets asked for in the series of questions.
HMRC only publishes total National Insurance Contributions receipts across all classes and the OBR only publishes Class 2 and Class 4 National Insurance Contribution receipts combined together for projections years and one year of outturn.
To produce a set of reliable estimates of all the different data requested would only be possible at disproportionate cost.
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
HMRC does not routinely publish estimates of the number of Class 2 or Class 4 National Insurance payees in total or any of the subsets asked for in the series of questions.
HMRC only publishes total National Insurance Contributions receipts across all classes and the OBR only publishes Class 2 and Class 4 National Insurance Contribution receipts combined together for projections years and one year of outturn.
To produce a set of reliable estimates of all the different data requested would only be possible at disproportionate cost.
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
HMRC does not routinely publish estimates of the number of Class 2 or Class 4 National Insurance payees in total or any of the subsets asked for in the series of questions.
HMRC only publishes total National Insurance Contributions receipts across all classes and the OBR only publishes Class 2 and Class 4 National Insurance Contribution receipts combined together for projections years and one year of outturn.
To produce a set of reliable estimates of all the different data requested would only be possible at disproportionate cost.
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
HMRC does not routinely publish estimates of the number of Class 2 or Class 4 National Insurance payees in total or any of the subsets asked for in the series of questions.
HMRC only publishes total National Insurance Contributions receipts across all classes and the OBR only publishes Class 2 and Class 4 National Insurance Contribution receipts combined together for projections years and one year of outturn.
To produce a set of reliable estimates of all the different data requested would only be possible at disproportionate cost.
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
HMRC does not routinely publish estimates of the number of Class 2 or Class 4 National Insurance payees in total or any of the subsets asked for in the series of questions.
HMRC only publishes total National Insurance Contributions receipts across all classes and the OBR only publishes Class 2 and Class 4 National Insurance Contribution receipts combined together for projections years and one year of outturn.
To produce a set of reliable estimates of all the different data requested would only be possible at disproportionate cost.
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
HMRC does not routinely publish estimates of the number of Class 2 or Class 4 National Insurance payees in total or any of the subsets asked for in the series of questions.
HMRC only publishes total National Insurance Contributions receipts across all classes and the OBR only publishes Class 2 and Class 4 National Insurance Contribution receipts combined together for projections years and one year of outturn.
To produce a set of reliable estimates of all the different data requested would only be possible at disproportionate cost.
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
HMRC does not routinely publish estimates of the number of Class 2 or Class 4 National Insurance payees in total or any of the subsets asked for in the series of questions.
HMRC only publishes total National Insurance Contributions receipts across all classes and the OBR only publishes Class 2 and Class 4 National Insurance Contribution receipts combined together for projections years and one year of outturn.
To produce a set of reliable estimates of all the different data requested would only be possible at disproportionate cost.
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
HMRC does not routinely publish estimates of the number of Class 2 or Class 4 National Insurance payees in total or any of the subsets asked for in the series of questions.
HMRC only publishes total National Insurance Contributions receipts across all classes and the OBR only publishes Class 2 and Class 4 National Insurance Contribution receipts combined together for projections years and one year of outturn.
To produce a set of reliable estimates of all the different data requested would only be possible at disproportionate cost.
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
To support customers, an enhanced online State Pension forecast service was launched on 29 April 2024. This included new functionality that enables the majority of working age customers to view any gaps in their national insurance contributions and make payments online where this would be beneficial. The service has successfully allowed a large number of people to self-serve, with a satisfaction rate of over 80%.
HMRC and DWP have launched a significant communications campaign to encourage people to check their National Insurance contributions, with paid-for marketing supporting our wider low-cost communications.
Some examples include a recent press release published on 7 October 2024 on GOV.UK reminding people of the deadline that has also been publicised by a range of media outlets, including Money Saving Expert. We also undertook a range of activity as part of Pensions Awareness Week in September and Talk Money Week in November. Communications included emails to 2.3 million employers and 110,000 agents, social media posts and stakeholder partnership work with organisations including British Innkeepers, DHL, Unilever and MoneyHelper, who have all helped to promote the campaign.
Continued promotion activity ahead of the deadline in April will include a robust social media strategy and continued interaction with media outlets and external partners. We are also due to publish a new explainer video, covering VNICs and how people can use the online service.
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
People normally have six years to pay voluntary National Insurance contributions (vNICs). An extended deadline was put in place to provide transitional arrangements as part of the introduction of the new State Pension (SP), originally ending in April 2023. Since the deadline extension to support customers, the online Check your State Pension forecast was enhanced and launched on 29 April 2024. New functionality enables the majority of working age customers to view their payable gaps and make payments online. This service has successfully allowed a large number of people to self-serve, with a satisfaction rate of over 80%.
The National Insurance helpline remains in place for customers who are unable to use the online service or who need additional assistance. Previous deadlines have resulted in significant telephony demand, and HMRC is putting in place measures to manage the expected demand in the run-up to the 5 April 2025 deadline, including managing the deployment of resources, the use of interactive voice response messaging and directing customers to the digital service.
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
The UK’s home insurance market is competitive, with many providers offering a wide variety of insurance products to suit the needs of customers. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the independent regulator of financial services, has a statutory objective to promote competition in the interests of consumers.
FCA rules require firms to offer products that deliver fair value to consumers (i.e. if the price a consumer pays for a product or service is reasonable compared to the overall benefits they can expect to receive). The FCA monitors firms to ensure they comply with its rules and has powers to take action if necessary.
The 2025-26 Scottish Government block grant funding will be confirmed at phase 1 of Spending Review 2025 on 30 October 2024.
It is for the Scottish Government to allocate their funding in devolved areas, including agriculture.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury
Engagement with NATO Allies is central to our approach to defend and deter in the Arctic and High North. Secretary of State for Defence and Defence Ministers regularly engage with their NATO counterparts, including High North countries to discuss how to strengthen deterrence and defence in the region, through NATO, the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) and bilaterally.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
The UK is committed to maintaining a coherent Defence posture, presence, and profile in the High North region. The Royal Marines have conducted annual exercises with Norway for over 50 years to hone their extreme cold weather warfighting skills, supported by assets from Joint Aviation Command. In the last 18 months, P8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft, and the Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers, have all operated in the region. During Exercise STEADFAST DEFENDER, the Royal Navy was at the heart of this maritime exercise with HMS Prince of Wales, demonstrating the importance of interoperability. The UK also conducted Icelandic Air Policing with F-35 jets.
In 2025, the UK will continue to develop our already close relationships with our Allies and partners in the High North, as part of NATO, Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) and bilaterally. Furthermore, we will continue our profile in the region with Air, Maritime and Land assets operating under NATO and Sovereign command.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
The Secretary of State for Defence contacted his Finnish counterpart immediately following the incident damaging the Estlink 2 undersea cable between Finland and Estonia on Christmas Day. They also discussed the incident when they met at the Ukraine Defence Contact Group meeting at Ramstein Air Base on 9 January.
Acting as framework nation for the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), we have activated a JEF Response Option, known as NORDIC WARDEN, which will harness AI to track potential threats to undersea infrastructure and monitor the Russian shadow fleet, sending out real-time warnings of suspicious activity to JEF nations as well as NATO.
This JEF activity reinforces existing and planned NATO responses.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
As a leading European Ally in NATO, the UK will defend and support our High North and Arctic Allies should the need arise, and contest malign and destabilising behaviours and activity in the region which threatens our interests, the interests of our Allies, and the stability of the region. We work with regional Allies and partners – including through NATO, the Joint Expeditionary Force, the Northern Group and the Arctic Security Forces Roundtable – to align policy, activity and capability where possible and across all domains.
NATO is accelerating the Alliance’s ongoing military transformation to strengthen its collective deterrence and defence posture, with operational plans which cover every inch of Allied territory. This includes Allied territory in the High North. Allies will maintain a coherent Defence posture, presence and profile in the region.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
Following recent damage to the Estlink2 undersea cable in the Baltic sea, the UK – acting as framework nation for the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) – has activated a JEF Response Option (JRO), known as NORDIC WARDEN, which will harness AI to track potential threats to undersea infrastructure and monitor the Russian shadow fleet, sending out real-time warnings of suspicious activity to JEF nations as well as NATO. This demonstrates both the UK and JEF nations’ commitment to assuring critical undersea infrastructure and responding to potential threats.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)